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The Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii) has invaded European freshwaters, and we present evidence of its first documented occurrence in the Elbe River basin in Czechia. The individual fish was caught by a fisherman and posted on social media. After immediately contacting the person in question, we obtained a live fish from him. The Chinese sleeper appears to have been present in interconnected ponds and streams for ten years and may have spread over a larger area. We recommend that eradication measures be implemented to prevent further spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of invasive species increases interspecific competition with native species, especially if the invasive fish have a similar ecological role in the ecosystem. The vacant niche hypothesis postulates that an invasive species may be a stronger competitor if it has, additionally to a native species niche, access to a food unavailable to native species. However, there are very few model examples of nearly identical invasive and native species differing in trophic niche utilization. The once common crucian carp (Carassius carassius) has become endangered or extirpated in many regions of Europe mainly due to the invasion of gibel carp (C. gibelio). To estimate the trophic niche divergence between gibel and crucian carp living in syntopy, a non-lethal method of stable isotope analysis (SIA) of fish scales (δ13C and δ15N) was employed. Samples were collected from four sites in the Czech Republic to determine the overlap and sizes of the trophic niches of these two species. The results showed that at two sites, gibel carp had significantly lower δ15N than crucian carp, indicating its lower trophic position. The gibel carp also significantly higher δ13C at two sites indicating higher utilization of littoral sources compared to crucian carp. In addition, isotopic niches partially overlapped at the four study sites, with the most divergent trophic niches found in the macrophyte-rich site. Finally, the gibel carp had higher probability to occur within the crucian carp niche space than vice versa. Our results provide support for the vacant niche hypothesis, indicating that invasive gibel carp gain a competitive advantage over the native crucian carp via feeding on plant material that is underexploited by native crucian carp. Furthermore, data suggest that more "natural" environmental conditions, such as a rich littoral zone, may help to decrease isotopic niche overlap between the two species. Lower trophic position and higher reliance on unexploited food sources seem to contribute to the competitive superiority of the invasive gibel carp over the native crucian carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates, an additive used in the plastics manufacturing industries, are also common pollutants in the aquatic environment. However, little is known about how phthalates affect chemo-recognition in fish controlling vital ecological decisions such as predator–prey cognition. Therefore, we investigated the effect of diethyl phthalate (DEP) on predator recognition mechanism using the common spiny loach, Lepidocephalichthys thermalis, as a model prey fish and dwarf snakehead, Channa gachua, as sympatric native predator. We also performed paired choice predation assay to evaluate if DEP exposure impacts prey survival in an actual predation event. Short-term exposure (STE) or Long-term exposure (LTE) to DEP followed by assessment of anti-predator responses using ethological assay clearly shows that DEP impairs innate predator recognition in common spiny loach. DEP-exposed prey fish did not recognize sympatric predator kairomones, alarm signals from conspecifics, and dietary cues from fed predators. The inability of DEP-exposed L. thermalis to distinguish conspecific alarm signals will likely to have an additional impact on associative learning, putting it at risk of predation by non-native predators. Anti-predatory responses of prey fish in LTE treatment groups were found to be more impacted than the STE treatment group. Furthermore, actual predation studies demonstrated that DEP-exposed L. thermalis had a lower survival rate than unexposed fishes, confirming that DEP exposure decrease survival in prey fish. Given the critical importance of chemically-mediated anti-predator strategies and associative learning ability to counter both native and non-native predators, ability of plasticizers to impose anti-predator behavioral suppression and reduce survival is likely to have long-term detrimental effects on fish fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to providing drinking water and a means of transportation, urban rivers also support inland fisheries, agriculture, and industry. Urban rivers, however, are continually being influenced by anthropogenic stressors, such as plastic pollution, and are thus predicted to play a significant role in the worldwide ocean plastic pollution problem. The management of urban rivers remains one of the major challenges due to the lack of knowledge on the degree of riverine microplastics (MPs), particularly in nations like India. Therefore, the current study investigates on MP pollution in the Ulhas River, which runs through Mumbai, India's most populous metropolis, and contributes significantly to MPs entering the Arabian Sea. MPs were extracted from sediment samples collected across the Ulhas River basin and then identified using FTIR-ATR, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM–EDX. MP particles were detected in every sediment sample taken from the Ulhas River, and their concentration ranged from 40 to 600 particles kg−1 of sediment. LDPE, HDPE, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyester, and nylon were found to be the primary polymers. When combined with demographic estimates and land use patterns, the estimated pollution load index (PLI), polymeric risk (H), and pollution risk index (PRI) show that five of the nine sub-basins are expected to represent significant ecological risk and are therefore referred to as "hotspots" of MP pollution. The majority of MPs in the Ulhas River originate from secondary sources. Examining MPs using SEM–EDX indicates their ageing, disintegration, and association with biofilm. The information obtained from this study's data is useful for establishing water quality standards, monitoring and controlling pollution efficiently, and serving as a foundation for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding genome evolution of polyploids requires dissection of their often highly similar subgenomes and haplotypes. Polyploid animal genome assemblies so far restricted homologous chromosomes to a 'collapsed' representation. Here, we sequenced the genome of the asexual Prussian carp, which is a close relative of the goldfish, and present a haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale assembly of a hexaploid animal. Genome-wide comparisons of the 150 chromosomes with those of two ancestral diploid cyprinids and the allotetraploid goldfish and common carp revealed the genomic structure, phylogeny and genome duplication history of its genome. It consists of 25 syntenic, homeologous chromosome groups and evolved by a recent autoploid addition to an allotetraploid ancestor. We show that de-polyploidization of the alloploid subgenomes on the individual gene level occurred in an equilibrated fashion. Analysis of the highly conserved actinopterygian gene set uncovered a subgenome dominance in duplicate gene loss of one ancestral chromosome set. The haplotype-resolved assembly of the asexual invasive Prussian carp shows six genome copies (AAABBB), evolved from two ancestral species by a recent self-addition (AB) to its hybrid-tetraploid (AABB) goldfish ancestor. Equilibrated gene loss led to subgenome dominance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "First record of highly invasive Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 (Perciformes: Odontobutidae) in the Elbe River Basin, Czechia" published in the journal Aquatic Ecology. The correction is regarding the affiliation of the authors, which should be "Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic" instead of "Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Agriculture in Prague, 165 21 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic." The correction has been made and the updated article is available online. The publisher, Springer Nature, remains neutral in terms of jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. The authors of the article are Marek Šmejkal, Ondřej Dočkal, Kiran Thomas, Chandani R. Verma, Pradeep Kumkar, and Lukáš Kalous. [Extracted from the article]

We provide a general overview of spatial distribution and the economic situation of aquaculture enterprises in Czechia (the Czech Republic) in terms of revenues, profitability, work productivity, indebtedness and grants. We analysed data available in the State Veterinary Administration and information system of the State Agricultural Intervention Fund. The most significant fish producers (enterprises) are located in the regions of South Bohemia. Aquaculture sector profitability and enterprises profits have been moderately rising since 2010. The profitability in 2015 is roughly the same as that in 2005. The amount of provided grants showed a higher value than the generated average annual profits. The enterprises were not able to generate sufficient resources to finance investments without grants resources. Enterprises that realised financing for larger investments from bank credits showed relatively high levels of indebtedness (micro-enterprises at 95.5%). On the contrary, work productivity was the highest for micro-enterprises. Micro-enterprises had the largest share of revenues in relation to the number of employees. Each group of enterprises is considerably specific and needs an individual approach for the subsequent evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β-adrenergic signaling pathways and antioxidant defence mechanisms play important roles in maintaining proper heart function. Here, we examined the effect of chronic normobaric hypoxia (CNH, 10% O2, 3 weeks) on myocardial β-adrenergic signaling and selected components of the antioxidant system in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in a conplastic SHR-mtBN strain characterized by the selective replacement of the mitochondrial genome of SHR with that of the more ischemia-resistant Brown Norway strain. Our investigations revealed some intriguing differences between the two strains at the level of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), activity of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), as well as distinct changes after CNH exposure. The β2-AR/β1-AR ratio was significantly higher in SHR-mtBN than in SHR, apparently due to increased expression of β2-ARs. Adaptation to hypoxia elevated β2-ARs in SHR and decreased the total number of β-ARs in SHR-mtBN. In parallel, the ability of isoprenaline to stimulate AC activity was found to be higher in SHR-mtBN than that in SHR. Interestingly, the activity of MAO-A was notably lower in SHR-mtBN than in SHR, and it was markedly elevated in both strains after exposure to hypoxia. In addition to that, CNH markedly enhanced the expression of catalase and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 in both strains, and decreased the expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase in SHR. Adaptation to CNH intensified oxidative stress to a similar extent in both strains and elevated the IL-10/TNF-α ratio in SHR-mtBN only. These data indicate that alterations in the mitochondrial genome can result in peculiar changes in myocardial β-adrenergic signaling, MAO-A activity and antioxidant defence and may, thus, affect the adaptive responses to hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a first investigation of fish species composition, sex ratios, age, length-weight relationships and growth models in Saghamo Lake located in Javakheti highland (Georgia). In total 713 specimens belonging to 8 species were collected included non-native Coregonus albula, Carassius gibelio and native Alburnoides bipunctatus, Squalius cephalus, Capoeta capoeta, Romanogobio persus, Salmo cf. caspius and Barbus lacerta, among which later two were recorded for the first time in the lake. In overall, relative abundances of all species is low while some species may not be presented with viable populations. Deviation from expected sex ratio, growth at age and age structure indicates severe anthropogenic pressure as a potential driver of fish community degradation in the lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because biological invasions may cause loss of biodiversity, accurate predictions are necessary for implementing effective restrictions aimed at specific high-risk taxa. The majority of freshwater macroinvertebrate invaders are molluscs and crustaceans. The pet trade has been considered one of the main pathways for new introductions of such species. Risk assessment is usually focused on traded ornamental species whereas, despite their potential importance, incidental 'hitchhiking' molluscs are usually given only minimal consideration. We surveyed the Czech Republic, which is one of the leading markets for aquarium species in the European Union (EU), and found 41 freshwater mollusc species (25 ornamental gastropods, 6 ornamental clams, and 10 'hitchhiking' gastropods) representing 13 families. We extrapolated data from the Czech Republic and, using Climatch v. 1.0, matched the climate in each species' native range to the entire territory of the EU. We also assessed the risk associated with each species by FI-ISK. 'Hitchhiking' gastropods were found to be significantly more hazardous and with higher potential to become established within the EU than were ornamental gastropods and bivalves. Many 'hitchhikers' may be easily overlooked due to their small size and cryptic coloration or shape. Thus, they easily can be accidentally imported in association with aquarium plants. Therefore, we recommend here to disinfect imported ornamental plants to eradicate these unwanted faunal assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marbled craynsn ( Procambarus fallax f. virginalis) has become one of the potentially most dangerous nonindigenous crayfish species spreading in European countries and elsewhere. This taxon reproduces parthenogenetically and recently has been verified as a vector of the crayfish plague pathogen. Here, we report on two established populations of marbled crayfish in the Czech Republic. The marbled crayfish was observed during autumn 2015 in an urban pond connected by sewer piping with the Rokytka brook near its mouth to the Vltava River in Prague. Subsequently, three adult females, two of them having well-developed glair glands and oocytes, were captured in this pond during spring 2016, suggesting successful overwintering of the local population. Furthermore, four adult females were captured in an artificial pond at the Radovesická lignite spoil heap in the vicinity to the industrial conurbation of Bílina in summer 2016; one of them carried eggs. We tested these for the presence of the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci, with negative results. The introduction pathway for both populations is most likely a release from private aquaria, as these sites are popular for recreation activities. Our findings substantiate previous predictions that conurbations are likely to be the primary areas for marbled crayfish introductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The keeping of home aquaria is one of the most popular hobbies globally. In contrast to the ornamental fish trade, decapod crustaceans such as shrimps, crayfish and crabs are relatively new to the pet trade. Nevertheless, the popularity of ornamental shrimp in freshwater aquaria has rapidly increased in recent years. Indonesia is one of the leading producers and exporters of ornamental aquatic animals globally and the Czech Republic is a gateway for these animals into the European Union territory. The pathway for introductions of organisms unintentionally moved in association with ornamental shrimps via the international trade has to date not been evaluated. We examined a small number of shrimps imported from Indonesia into the Czech Republic in May 2015 and found large numbers of the protozoan Vorticella sp., one species of scutariellid temnocephalidan ( Caridinicola sp.), and one species of bdelloid rotifer, associated with two species of atyid shrimps, indicating an invasion risk from fauna carried unintentionally by this vector. Although our observations were limited in scale, we estimate the total number of commensal fauna imported into the Czech Republic with ornamental shrimps via the pet trade to be in the order of hundreds of thousands per month. As attached organisms can directly or indirectly cause diseases in certain species of decapod crustaceans, we recommend five steps to reduce risks of introduction of 'hitchhikers' to aquaria and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the effects of semicrystaline poly(1-butene) on amorphous polylactide in relation to mechanical, thermal and rheological properties. The blends were prepared by melt mixing, and poly(1-butene) content ranged from 5 to 40 wt %. It was found that 5 wt % poly(1-butene) heightened impact strength by more than double, however, other mechanical properties decreased. Poly(1-butene) significantly affected the glass transition temperature of polylactide, while the melting temperature of blends with 5 and 15 wt % poly(1-butene) slightly decreased. Thermogravimetric measurements revealed that the thermal stability of polylactide improved if poly(1-butene) was present, and rheological properties exhibited enhanced complex viscosity in combination with dynamic moduli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The impact of the D genome and QTL in the A and B genomes on agronomic performance of hexaploid wheat and tetraploid durum was determined using novel recombinant inbred line populations derived from interploid crosses. Abstract: Genetic differences between common hexaploid (6X) bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum, 2 n = 6 x = 42, genome, AABBDD) and tetraploid (4X) durum wheat ( T. turgidum subsp. durum, 2 n = 4 x = 28, genome, AABB) may exist due to effects of the D genome and allelic differences at loci in the A and B genomes. Previous work allowed identification of a 6X by 4X cross combination that resulted in a large number of fertile recombinant progeny at both ploidy levels. In this study, interspecific recombinant inbred line populations at both 4X and 6X ploidy with 88 and 117 individuals, respectively, were developed from a cross between Choteau spring wheat (6X) and Mountrail durum wheat (4X). The presence of the D genome in the 6X population resulted in increased yield, tiller number, kernel weight, and kernel size, as well as a decrease in stem solidness, test weight and seed per spike. Similar results were found with a second RIL population containing 152 lines from 18 additional 6X by 4X crosses. Several QTL for agronomic and quality traits were identified in both the 4X and 6X populations. Although negatively impacted by the lack of the D genome, kernel weight in Mountrail (4X) was higher than Choteau (6X) due to positive alleles from Mountrail on chromosomes 3B and 7A. These and other favorable alleles may be useful for introgression between ploidy levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades, the invasive Prussian carp, Carassius gibelio, has been detected in most of the European countries. The Prussian carp has been undetected in many European countries since it is morphologically indistinct from the long-established goldfish Carassius auratus. In this study, genetic markers were used to identify the Prussian carp in several locations of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain). The presence of polyploid C. gibelio is confirmed for the first time in Iberian Peninsula, in four large river systems (Guadalquivir, Guadiana, Tagus and Douro). The introduction of C. gibelio to these Iberian drainages is discussed in light of the potential vector to the Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everolimus (RAD001, Afinitor) is an oral, selective mTOR inhibitor recently approved by the US-FDA in combination with exemestane for treatment of hormone receptor positive advanced breast cancer. To date, no molecular predictors of response to everolimus in breast cancer have been identified. We hypothesized predictive markers could be identified using preclinical models. Using a molecularly characterized panel of human breast cancer and immortalized breast epithelial cell lines, we determined sensitivity to everolimus alone or in combination with ER− or HER2− targeted therapy. Gene expression microarrays and comparative genomic hybridization were performed on the cell lines to identify predictors of response to everolimus. Among 13 everolimus-sensitive cell lines, 10/13(77 %) were luminal, while in 26 resistant cell lines, 16/26(62 %) were non-luminal, and 10/26(38 %) were luminal. Only 3/24 non-luminal lines were sensitive, two of which were HER2+. Everolimus enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of both tamoxifen (TAM) and fulvestrant (FUL) in ER+ breast cancer cell lines, as well as trastuzumab in HER2+ cell lines. Everolimus + FUL but not everolimus + TAM reversed acquired resistance to TAM. Everolimus inhibited mTOR in tested cell lines by decreasing S6 phosphorylation, mediating its anti-proliferative effect by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Chromosomal amplifications of AURKA ( p value = 0.04) and HER2 ( p value = 0.03) were each associated with increased sensitivity to everolimus. Transcript expression microarrays identified GSK3A, PIK3R3, KLF8, and MAPK10 among the genes overexpressed in sensitive luminal lines, while PGP, RPL38, GPT, and GFAP were among the genes overexpressed in resistant luminal cell lines. These preclinical in vitro data provide further support for continued clinical development of everolimus in luminal (ER+ or HER2+) breast cancer in combination with targeted therapies. We identified several potential molecular markers associated with response to everolimus that will require validation in clinical material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pet trade in freshwater crustaceans, including crayfish, has grown rapidly in recent decades and become an important pathway for introducing new non-indigenous species into Europe. This paper provides the first overview of non-indigenous crayfish species (NICS) traded as ornamental and their potential impact in the Czech Republic, which is the second leading importer into Europe. The paper presents a full list of traded crayfish species, their market availability, and trade names or misnomers used in the country. In total, 27 crayfish species from all three families are advertised and marketed, of which Astacus astacus is the only indigenous species. Only three NICS were recognized as very common on the market. The invasiveness and risk associated with ornamental crayfish trade were assessed using the Freshwater Invertebrate Invasiveness Scoring Kit. Five NICS were classified into the high-risk category, the highest score being for Procambarus fallax f. virginalis. The invasiveness of crayfish indigenous to North America is significantly greater than that of crayfish from the rest of the world, and therefore regulation in this regard is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correct version adds "and Josef Wanzenböck" after "Maria Pichler". Correction to: I Nature Communications i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31515-w, published online 14 July 2022 The original version of this Article contained an error in the Acknowledgements, which incorrectly read 'We thank Maria Pichler for expert fish care and sample preparations, Wibke Kleiner and Simone Langone (ERASMUS+ trainee) for help in the RNA lab'. [Extracted from the article]

Total mercury concentrations were determined in the gonadal tissues of 15 female and 10 male European perch ( Perca fluviatilis) from one location of the stream 'Jevanský potok' located about 30 km from Prague (Czech Republic). Tissue samples were frozen at −26 °C in polypropylene containers until further processing, which was carried out using an Advance Mercury Analyser (single purpose atomic absorption spectrometer). Mercury concentrations were present in all analysed gonad samples, and ranged from 2.3 to 12.7 μg/kg wet weight. However, we determined a mean Hg concentration (9.45 μg/kg) in male gonads that was 2.4 times greater than that of female gonads (3.9 μg/kg). This is an important finding when taking into account fish sex in environmental pollution monitoring (especially for mercury contamination). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aurora kinases play important roles in cell division and are frequently overexpressed in human cancer. AMG 900 is a novel pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor currently being tested in Phase I clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of AMG 900 in a panel of 44 human breast cancer and immortalized cell lines and identify predictors of response. AMG 900 inhibited proliferation at low nanomolar concentrations in all cell lines tested. Response was further classified based on the induction of lethality. 25 cell lines were classified as highly sensitive (lethality at 10 nM of AMG 900 >10 %), 19 cell lines as less sensitive to AMG 900 (lethality at 10 nM of AMG 900 <10 %). Traditional molecular subtypes of breast cancer did not predict for this differential response. There was a weak association between AURKA amplification and response to AMG 900 (response ratio = 2.53, p = 0.09). mRNA expression levels of AURKA, AURKB, and AURKC and baseline protein levels of Aurora kinases A and B did not significantly associate with response. Cell lines with TP53 loss of function mutations (RR = 1.86, p = 0.004) and low baseline p21 protein levels (RR = 2.28, p = 0.0004) were far more likely to be classified as highly sensitive to AMG 900. AMG 900 induced p53 and p21 protein expression in cell lines with wt TP53. AMG 900 caused the accumulation of cells with >4 N DNA content in a majority of cell lines independently of sensitivity and p53 status. AMG 900 induced more pronounced apoptosis in highly sensitive p53-dysfunctional cell lines. We have found that AMG 900 is highly active in breast cancer cell lines and that TP53 loss of function mutations as well as low baseline expression of p21 protein predict strongly for increased sensitivity to this compound in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The samples from 13 perches ( Perca fluviatilis) - muscle with skin and bones; fish gonads; and acanthocephalan parasites were analysed for mercury (Hg). Hg concentrations were present in all analysed samples. There were found no statistically significant difference in Hg concentration in fish tissues between perches either with or without infection by the acanthocephalan parasite, Acanthocephalus lucii). In this study there was no evidence that acanthocephalan worms accumulate mercury from hosts. For this reason, A. lucii is not a suitable bioindicator for mercury pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead concentrations in the tissues of perch and its parasites were determined as mg/kg dw. Lead was found at higher concentrations in the acanthocephalans (11.56) than in different tissues (liver, gonads and muscle with skin and bone) of perch. With respect to fish tissues, the highest concentrations of lead were present in the liver (1.24), followed by the gonads (0.57) whereas the lowest concentrations were in the muscle with skin and bone (0.21). The bioconcentration factors for lead indicated that parasites accumulate metals to a higher degree than fish tissues-lead concentrations in acanthocephalans were 9.32, 19.27 and 55.05 higher than in liver, gonads and muscles of host, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chronic lung disease caused by volutrauma is one of the most important consequences of preterm delivery. In this pilot study a new method is presented that consists of flushing part of the dead space with fresh gas in order to reduce high tidal volumes, the chief cause of volutrauma. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the new method could reduce ventilatory effort in preterm infants by diminishing dead space.Design and Setting: In split-flow ventilation, gas required for dead-space washout is split off from the regular ventilation circuit. The split flow bypasses the apparatus dead space and fills it retrogradely with fresh breathing gas, mainly in the pause between exhalation and inspiration. The mean per-minute ventilation and ventilation index after 12 h of conventional ventilation were compared with corresponding mean values after 12 h of split-flow ventilation in 17 preterm infants weighing <2,000 g. Statistical analysis was performed using the T -test for matched pairs.Results: After switching from conventional ventilation to split-flow ventilation, the mean per-minute ventilation per kilogram of body weight decreased significantly from a mean value of 0.314+/-0.097 l/kg/min to 0.190+/-0.043 l/kg/min ( p <0.001), while the ventilation index decreased significantly from 28.47+/-7.48 to 16.10+/-4.13 ( p <0.001).Conclusion: Split-flow ventilation significantly reduces apparatus dead space during ventilation in preterm infants. This leads to reduced ventilatory effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied drug-induced cardiotoxic effects in 22 pregnant women having tocolysis with intravenous fenoterol and verapamil. Because CK-MB is released from the uterus and placenta, we used the determination of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) as it is one of the most sensitive and specific indicators of myocardial necrosis. Cardiac troponin T levels were within physiological range (0.08± 0.01 μg/l) in all healthy pregnant women tested between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation (control group). In the pregnant women having tocolysis cTnT levels started to increase slightly during the first day of treatment (0.10±0.03 μg/l) and were significantly higher ( p<0.05) during the third day (0.35±0.14 μg/l) of tocolytic therapy. The cTnT levels in cord blood (0.13±0.03 μg/l) did not correspond with maternal cTnT concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of the course of D-glucose binding to insulin has shown that the mechanism of glucose-insulin interaction is a cooperative process. Binding of D-glucose molecules to insulin is facilitated by the dissociation of insulin aggregates caused by insulin-glucose interaction. Thus, insulin behaves as a system with strong positive cooperativity. The results have been treated in accordance with theories for interactions coupled to association equilibria. The data obtained support the idea that insulin monomers are the active species responsible for insulin action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In liver mitochondria isolated from hypothyroid rats, the rate of ATP synthesis is lower than in mitochondria from normal rats. Oligomycin-sensitive ATP hydrolase activity and passive proton permeability were significantly lower in submitochondrial particles from hypothyroid rats compared to those isolated from normal rats. In mitochondria from hypothyroid rats, the changes in catalytic activities of F0F1-ATP synthase are accompanied by a decrease in the amount of immunodetected β-F1, F01-PVP, and OSCP subunits of the complex. Northern blot hybridization shows a decrease in the relative cytosolic content of mRNA for β-F1 subunit in liver of hypothyroid rats. Administration of 3,5,3′-triodo-L-thyronine to the hypothyroid rats tends to remedy the functional and structural defects of F0F1-ATP synthase observed in the hypothyroid rats. The results obtained indicate that hypothyroidism leads to a decreased expression of F0F1-ATP synthase complex in liver mitochondria and this contributes to the decrease of the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An unusual case of a primary cutaneous Absidia corymbifera infection in a premature twin successfully treated with low doses of intravenous amphotericin B and topical natamycin is described. Epidemiological and therapeutical aspects of the case are discussed and in vitro antifungal susceptibility data are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social deprivation early in life affects further individual development and leads to irreversible behavioural alterations later in life. Although the syndrome is well-studied in vertebrates including humans, its presence in invertebrates has been described only in eusocial insects and cockroaches. Here we show the first evidence of social deprivation in subsocial decapod crustaceans, based on analysis of video-recorded agonistic encounters of juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, Girard). In comparison with maternally incubated juveniles, isolated crayfish had altered repertoires, numbers and frequency of agonistic interactions similar to those described in vertebrates. Our results support the view on the syndrome of social deprivation as a ubiquitous trait in species with developed maternal care across diverse taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnologies allow the production of yarns containing nanofibres for use in composites, membranes and biomedical materials. Composite yarns with a conventional thread core for mechanical strength and a nanofibrous envelope for functionality, e.g. biological, catalytic, have many advantages. Until now, the production of such yarns has been technologically difficult. Here, we show an approach to composite yarn production whereby a plume of nanofibers generated by high throughput AC needleless and collectorless electrospinning is wound around a classic thread. In the resulting yarn, nanofibres can form up to 80% of its weight. Our yarn production speed was 10 m/min; testing showed this can be increased to 60 m/min. After the yarn was embedded into knitwear, scanning electron microscope images revealed an intact nanofibrous envelope of the composite yarn. Our results indicate that this production method could lead to the widespread production and use of composite nanofibrous yarns on an industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]